We need to play some heavenly music or something because the 2023 Kia Telluride is experiencing a miracle. Finally, after years of waiting, the Kia Telluride X-Pro off-roading trim is back on the table. 

The 2023 Kia Telluride X-Pro off-roading trim is officially happening 

Let’s get ready to rumble in the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Pro. This rugged trail-ready trim could provide the off-roading equipment that we’ve been waiting for since the Telluride made its debut in 2020. 

When the Telluride first arrived, we saw plenty of images of models equipped with beefier all-terrain tires, larger bumpers, roof racks, and more. Then these adventuring Telluride concepts seemed to disappear. 

It was pretty disappointing to get all hyped up just to wait a few extra years. But the Coronvius outbreak (Covid-19) and ongoing semi-conductor chip shortage placed a lot of auto manufacturers’ plans on hold. 

What to expect with the Telluride X-Pro 

We’re still waiting to learn more about the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Pro, but the new model might be on display at the New York Auto Show on April 13. This is when the refreshed Telluride will make its first appearance. 

The 2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro is a trail-ready option that could provide clues about the Telluride X-Pro. However, the Sportage X-Pro only received mild off-roading upgrades, so we hope the Telluride gets a few more upgrades. 

The Sportage X-Pro rides on 17-inch matter-black off-road wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich all-terrain tires. It has revised bumpers in the front and rear, glossy black exterior pops, LED fog lights, and roof rails. 

We are impressed by the new multi-terrain driving modes such as Normal, Sport, Smart, and Snow settings. Also, the 6.4-inch ground clearance is raised to 8.3 inches. 

So, the Kia Telluride X-Pro might gain a suspension lift. But we hope it gains more off-roading modes, such as Sand or Mud. Also, skid plates would be better than the protective plastic cladding. A locking differential and more power might be too much to ask for. 

How much does the 2023 Telluride cost? 

The 2023 Kia Telluride is expected to start at about $34,000. Because the 2023 model is gaining a mid-cycle refresh and new tech, its price could increase by a few thousand bucks. The rugged 2023 Kia Telluride X-Pro could cost even more. 

According to Car and Driver, the Kia Telluride is expected to carry over its 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. Of course, rumors about hybrid and electrification are floating around. 

Also, the Telluride is gaining a slightly new headlight design and refreshed interior. A new infotainment screen will scratch across the dashboard. We hope wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included. 

Standard safety features include forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot monitoring. Perhaps adaptive cruise control, rear-cross traffic alert, and pedestrian detection will be added. 

We can wait to learn more about the 2023 Telluride, and the wait is almost over. Check back for updates. Hopefully, the X-Pro trim will bring more to the table than rugged appearance upgrades.